System and method for building a graphical depiction of an accessibility system

Wheelchair ramps are often used to allow wheelchair access to elevated structures that would otherwise require steps, stairs, an elevator, or a lift to access. Examples of such structures include decks, platforms, houses, modular buildings, trailer-style buildings, or any other elevated structure. Most of these structures are raised from ground level such that there is a first “lower” or “ground access” level and a second “upper” or “destination” level, with the levels being of different elevations such that steps or a ramp are needed to advance from the first level to the second level.

In public places in the United States, a wheelchair ramp must meet American with Disability Act (ADA) standards. For instance, the ramp must have a certain rise or vertical dimension compared to the run or horizontal dimension of the ramp (the “rise-over-run ratio”). According to ADA requirements, if the slope of a ramp is between 1:12 and 1:16, the maximum rise shall be 30 inches (760 mm) and the maximum horizontal run shall be 30 feet (9 m). Ramps in other countries may have other required rise-over-run ratios. For instance, the ramp must have a slope of 1:8 to meet International Residential Code (IRC) requirements. Moreover, residential ramps may need to meet other rise-over-run ratios, for instance, depending on the intended use of the resident or the physical constraints of the location.

Components of a ramp run typically include a level landing (the second surface) at the top of the ramp, the surface of the ramp, and a level landing (the first surface) at the bottom of the ramp, among other components. When assembled, the components of the ramp run must typically meet the necessary or desired rise-over-run ratio, among other requirements.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to improved systems and methods for building a graphical depiction of an accessibility system, such as a wheelchair ramp.

Disclosed are systems, apparatuses, methods, computer readable medium, and circuits for processing instructions to build an accessibility system. According to at least one example, a method includes: receiving an input to build a run having a desired ratio of an accessibility system; receiving a selection of one or more components of the accessibility system; and generating feedback data indicating whether the one or more components of the accessibility system create the run having the desired ratio. For example, the computing device receives an input to build a run having a desired ratio of the accessibility system; receives a selection of one or more components of an accessibility system; and generates feedback data indicating whether the one or more components of the accessibility system create the run having the desired ratio.

In another example, a computing device for processing instructions to build an accessibility system is provided that includes a storage (e.g., a memory configured to store data, such as virtual content data, one or more images, etc.) and one or more processors (e.g., implemented in circuitry) coupled to the memory and configured to execute instructions and, in conjunction with various components (e.g., a network interface, a display, an output device, etc.), cause the computing device to: receive an input to build a run having a desired ratio of an accessibility system; receive a selection of one or more components of the accessibility system; and generate feedback data indicating whether the one or more components of the accessibility system create the run having the desired ratio.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of a system and method for building a graphical depiction of an accessibility system, such as a wheelchair ramp. For instance, the systems and methods described herein may be used to create a computer-aided drawing (CAD) and/or model of a layout of an accessibility system, which may graphically display all the components necessary to quote and build a complete accessibility system. In that regard, the system and method for building a graphical depiction of an accessibility system may include a software platform on a computing device that allows a user to select components for the desired accessibility system and generate feedback data regarding whether the selected components can be used to effectively and/or safely build the desired accessibility system.

Although exemplary embodiments of a system and method for building a graphical depiction of an accessibility system will be hereinafter described with reference to building a wheelchair ramp or similar, it should be appreciated that the systems and methods described herein may be adapted for use with other types of applications, such as building stage setups, transport systems, etc.

illustrates an example computer systemfor implementing a part of a system and method of the instant disclosure. For example, the example computer systemmay execute a client applicationconfigured for building a graphical depiction of an accessibility system.

The example computer systemincludes a processor, a memory, a graphical device, a network device, an interface, and a storage devicethat are connected to operate via a bus. The processorcauses machine instructions (e.g., reduced instruction set (RISC), complex instruction set (CISC), etc.) that are loaded into the memoryvia a bootstrapping process and executes an operating system (OS) for executing application within frameworks provided by the OS. For example, the processormay execute the client applicationprovided by a graphical framework such as Winforms, Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Windows User Interface (WinUI), or a cross platform user interface such as Xamarin or QT. In other examples, the processormay execute an application that is written for a sandbox environment such as a web browser.

The processorcontrols the memoryto store instructions, user data, OS content, and other content that cannot be stored within the processorinternally (e.g., within the various caches). The processormay also control a graphical device(e.g., a graphical processor) that outputs graphical content to a display. In some example, the graphical devicemay be integral within the processor. In yet another example, the displaymay be integral with the computer system(e.g., a laptop, a tablet, a phone, etc.).

The graphical devicemay be optimized to perform floating point operations such as graphical computations, and it may be configured to execute other operations in place of the processor. For example, it may be controlled by instructions to perform mathematical operations optimized for floating point math. For example, the processormay allocate instructions to the graphical devicefor operations that are optimized for the graphical device. For instance, the graphical devicemay execute operations related to artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing (NLP), vector math, etc. The results may be returned to the processor. In another example, the application executing in the processormay provide instructions to cause the processorto request the graphical deviceto perform the operations. In other examples, the graphical devicemay return the processing results to another computer system (i.e., distributed computing).

The processormay also control a network devicethat transmits and receives data using a plurality of wireless channelsand at least one communication standard (e.g., Wi-Fi (i.e., 802.11ax, 802.11e, etc.), Bluetooth®, various standards provided by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G), or a satellite communication network (e.g., Starlink). The network devicemay wirelessly connect to a networkto connect to serversor other service providers. The network devicemay also be connected to the networkvia a physical (i.e., circuit) connection. The network devicemay also directly connect to local electronic deviceusing a point-to-point (P2P) or a short-range radio connection.

The processormay also control an interfacethat connects with an external devicefor bidirectional or unidirectional communication. The interfaceis any suitable interface that forms a circuit connection and can be implemented by any suitable interface (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), Thunderbolt, and so forth). The external devicecan receive data from the interfaceto process the data or perform functions for different applications executing in the processor. For example, the external devicemay be another display device, a computer interface device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.), an audio device (e.g., an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)), a storage device for storing content, an authentication device, an external network interface (e.g., a 5G hotspot), a printer, and so forth.

As noted above, the example computer systemmay execute a client applicationconfigured for building a graphical depiction of an accessibility system. The client applicationmay be accessed by a user of the computer systemor by a user of another computing device in communication with the computer systemover the network. In that regard, the client applicationof the example computer systemmay be a Web-based platform (for example, a cloud platform) capable of being accessed over the network. In other example embodiments, a remote plug-in that uses cloud-based APIs (Application Program Interfaces) may be utilized to connect and extract the information from the example computer system. The client applicationmay be individualized to a specific group of users, such as accessibility system dealers. Moreover, reference to the “computer system” may instead or additionally include any other computing device in communication with the network.

Although the client applicationis herein described as a single client application, it should be appreciated that in some instances the functionality of the client applicationmay be carried out across multiple platforms, such as multiple Web-based platforms. Accordingly, the description and illustrations provided herein should not be seen as limiting.

In general, the client applicationmay receive inputs from a user regarding a selection of components for a desired accessibility system. Upon processing those inputs, the client applicationgraphically depicts the components in a 2-D computer aided drawing, a 3-D model, etc. Moreover, the client applicationmay generate feedback data regarding whether the selected components can be used to effectively and/or safely build the desired accessibility system. After building a graphical depiction of the accessibility system, the client applicationmay generate an electronic document or file used to facilitate a quote building process for the accessibility system that can be used by a dealer, distributor, manufacturer, customer, etc. (the “user”), to quote a cost, parts, etc., for the desired accessibility system. Further, the electronic document or file may be used to facilitate building of the accessibility system (e.g., it may act as a blueprint, design plan, technical drawing, etc. for assembly and installation).

shows an exemplary block diagram of the client applicationfor use with the systems and methods described herein. The client applicationmay include various modules configured to facilitate building a graphical depiction of the accessibility system. The various modules of the client applicationwill be described with reference to exemplary screen shots shown in. For ease of reference and simplicity, similar images, windows, etc., in each of the screen shots are labeled with similar reference numerals except in the ‘100 or ‘1000 series corresponding to the screen shot reference numeral used for that FIG. As such, some reference numerals will not be specifically discussed in this description.

In a first aspect, the client applicationmay include a login moduleconfigured to facilitate secure login and access to the client application. The login modulemay facilitate login and access into the client applicationin any suitable manner now know or later developed.

Once the client applicationis accessed by the user through, for example, the login module, the client applicationmay run a slope input moduleconfigured to enable selection of a desired slope or rise-over-run ratio for the accessibility system (hereinafter simply “slope” or “ratio”). As described above, a ramp slope of an accessibility system must often meet certain slope requirements for commercial or residential use. For instance, the ADA recommends a 1:12 slope for a commercial ramp system, which means that for every 1 inch of vertical rise, at least 1 foot (12 inches) of ramp length (5 degrees of incline) is required. The IRC may have other required slope requirements. In residential applications, the residential user may have yet other accessibility system slope needs. Using the slope input module, the user may select the desired slope for the accessibility system, either from, for instance, a dropdown menu with different options (e.g., ADA (1:12) or IRC (1:8), etc.). In addition or in the alternative, the user may input a custom slope for the system through, for instance, a text box.

For instance,illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing a dropdown menulocated inside a main container window. The dropdown menumay provide a user with the ability to select a slope for the accessibility system. More specifically, the user can click on the dropdown menuto select a desired slope for the accessibility system. Once a slope is selected, the user can click on a “Looks Good” button(or similar) to proceed with building the accessibility system.

After selecting a desired slope, the user may begin using the client applicationto build a graphical depiction of an accessibility system, or the user may instead first access a tutorial through a tutorial module. In the exemplary screen shotof, a welcome screen is presented inside a second side container windowpositioned vertically alongside the main container window. The welcome screen provides the user with the option to begin with a tutorial or to instead start using the application.

If the tutorial is chosen, the tutorial may display various exemplary screen shots (not shown) that may act to guide the user through the process of graphically building an accessibility system. For instance, the tutorial modulemay display some or all of the screen shots shown inas exemplary steps for building an accessibility system, sample errors that may be encountered during the building process, etc. In that regard, the tutorial modulemay allow a user to step through the various screen shots by clicking on a “Next” button or similar to proceed to the next exemplary screen shot.

After completing some or all of the tutorial and/or skipping the tutorial, a stencil design modulemay be accessed by the client applicationto build a graphical depiction of an accessibility system. In general, the stencil design modulemay be used to select various parts from a list of available parts and/or to create a custom part using, for instance, various input parameters. The selected parts are overlaid onto a graphical canvas or background image that can be used to organize and display the accessibility system graphically built by the user.

For instance,illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing a main menu for accessing different tools to graphically build the accessibility system, wherein the main menu is displayed inside a first side container windowpositioned vertically alongside the second side container window. A canvas (not separately labeled) is displayed inside the main container window. The canvas may include grid lines and measurement tools extending alongside one or more of the edges.

In the first side container window, the user can select a high-level menu option for creating/editing aspects of the graphically depicted accessibility system. For instance, in the first side container window, the user can toggle through various main menu items of the stencil design module, such as “Object Inspector”, “Part Category”, “Options”, “Settings”, “Addons”, “Graphics”, “Tools”, “Add Notes”, “Drafting Mode”, and “Drawing Tools”. It should be appreciated that any other list of actions/functions may instead be provided. Upon selecting (e.g., clicking on) a specific menu item, the images/links in the second side container windowupdate to correspond to the menu item chosen.

In the exemplary screenshotdepicted in, the menu item “Parts” has been selected, and various accessibility system part categories are displayed at the top of the second side container window. The part categories displayed at the top of the second side container windowmay include any list of categories, such as “Platforms”, “Ramps”, “Stairs”, “Pieces”, “Transitions”, “Portables”, “VPL” (vertical platform lift), or “Common Parts” (e.g., parts most typically chosen). In the exemplary screenshotshown, the part categories are displayed along a top of the second side container window, and upon selecting (e.g., clicking on) a specific part category, a list/image of corresponding parts is displayed beneath the categories.

For instance, as shown in, the category “Platforms” has been selected, and various platform part images are displayed in the second side container window. To select a platform part, the user may either click on the part image to cause it to be displayed on the canvas, drag and drop the part image over onto on the canvas, or use some other input command.

In the exemplary screenshotshown, a 4×4 platformhas been selected for display on the canvas. In addition, a 3×2 ramphas been selected for display (after selecting the category “Ramps” in the second side container window). In the exemplary screenshotshown in, a 15 inch stair parthas been selected for display (after selecting the category “stairs” in the first side container window) in addition to the 4×4 platformand 3×2 ramp. The parts, when laid out together on the canvas, define a system layout or stencil design() or().

The selected parts displayed on the canvas can be moved into any desired location on the canvas, for instance, to appropriately position each part next to other parts. The selected parts can also be rotated, deleted, copied, etc., using standard graphical editing tools and functions well known in the art.

Once all the parts have been selected and moved into the appropriate position, a user may proceed to finalize the graphical depiction of the accessibility system by clicking on a “Finish” or “Let's Go” button (or similar) in a third side container window, which may be located beneath the second side container window. Before proceeding to describe a finalization step(s) of the accessibility system, however, a brief description of other menu items displayed for selection in the first side container window will be briefly described with reference to.

The exemplary screen shotshown inshows the second side container windowdisplaying options for the client applicationupon selecting (e.g., clicking on) the “Options” menu item in the first side container window. The options for the stencil design may be viewed by and/or changed by the user. For instance, the user may change the type of first (ground) surface for the accessibility system, the type of handrails for the system, the default ramp widths for the system, the type of loops or end caps used for the system, etc.

illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing the second side container windowdisplaying various settings for the client applicationupon selecting (e.g., clicking on) the “Settings” menu item in the first side container window. The settings for the stencil design may be viewed by and/or changed by the user. For instance, the user may view and/or change the desired slope ratio for the accessibility system, the user may change various settings for the canvas, etc.

illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing the second side container windowdisplaying various additional accessories for use during the build of the stencil designupon selecting (e.g., clicking on) the “Addons” menu item in the first side container window. For instance, the user may view and/or select certain parts for use in the system, such as safety rails, additional parts, etc.

illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing the second side container windowdisplaying various graphics options and tools for use during the build of the stencil designupon selecting (e.g., clicking on) the “Graphics” menu item in the first side container window. For instance, the user may add certain images to the canvas to provide context for the system, such as ground surface, nature/landscaping features, etc.

illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing the second side container windowdisplaying various tools for use during the build of the stencil designupon selecting (e.g., clicking on) the “Tools” menu item in the first side container window. For instance, the user may access a measurement tool for use in building the system, which can be graphically displayed as a ruleralongside the stencil design.

illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing the second side container windowdisplaying a note feature for use during the build of the stencil designupon selecting (e.g., clicking on) the “Add Notes” menu item in the first side container window. For instance, the user may input text into a text box, where the text will be reproduced on any final an electronic document or file when the accessibility system has been completed.

illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing the second side container windowdisplaying various line options for creating dimension lines on the canvas. The line options can be accessed upon selecting (e.g., clicking on) the “Drafting Mode” menu item in the first side container window. For instance, the user may select various solid or dashed dimension lines.

illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing the second side container windowdisplaying various drawing options for creating drawing images on the canvas. The drawing options can be accessed upon selecting (e.g., clicking on) the “Drawing Tools” menu item in the first side container window. For instance, the user may select various lines, colors, etc., to use for marking up the canvas.

illustrate screen shotsand, respectively, of exemplary GUI displays showing the second side container windowdisplaying options for changing certain properties of the stencil designupon selecting (e.g., clicking on) the “Object Inspector” menu item in the first side container window. For instance, the user may change specific properties of a part of the stencil design(e.g. surface type, handrail types, lines, color) upon selecting that part.

illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing the second side container windowdisplaying a welcome screen again, which may be presented after using one or more tools from the main menu in the first side container window, when returning to a saved system file, etc. A third side container windowlocated beneath the second side container windowdisplays a “Let's Go” button or similar, which can be selected by the user after the user has finished using the tools from the main menu.

In a next step, the client applicationruns a stencil checkup module(see) configured to generate feedback data regarding the selected components of the accessibility system. For instance, the stencil checkup modulemay generate a list of one or more missing components required to form a complete accessibility system, including at least one of a first transition piece for use between a ramp and a first level or surface (e.g., the ground) and a second transition piece for use between a second raised level or surface (e.g., an existing raised surface, such as a building entrance) to the platform.

illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing a pop-up windowdisplaying the results of the stencil checkup module. The pop-up windowindicates that certain parts are missing from the stencil design, such as “PRGT” for transitioning from the ramp to the first surface, and a “PBP” for transitioning from a second raised surface to the platform. The user has the option to close the window and add the recommended parts or continue without the parts (but with the warning that they were missing).

If the user wants to add the recommended parts, the user can click the “X” button and go back to the menu item “Parts” in the first side container windowand “Transitions” at the top of the second side container windowin order to display the various parts in the second side container window, as shown in the exemplary screen shotof. Here the user has added a first transition piecefor the rampto the ground and a second transition piecefor an existing raised surface to the platform, as recommended. After adding some or all the recommended parts, the user can again select a “Let's Go” button or similar in the third side container window.

After selecting the “Let's Go” button, the client applicationmay re-run the stencil checkup moduleto determine if one or more required components are missing from the designed accessibility system. If no parts are found to be missing, the client applicationmay run a handrail builder module(see) configured to add handrails and/or other safety feature (such as treads) to components of the system. The handrail builder module(see) may also be configured to generate feedback data indicating whether for instance, a handrail can connect to a component (such as a platform, ramp, or stairs) or otherwise has a connection issue with the component, whether a certain component is missing a recommended handrail or other safety feature, and/or whether a selected position for the handrail is compatible with the run.

As an example,illustrates a screen shotof an exemplary GUI display showing results of the handrail builder modulein the third side container window. Specifically, the handrail builder modulegenerates feedback data in the third side container windowindicating that the platform(s) are missing handrails and tread. In one embodiment, the handrails and other safety features (such as treads) are instead added automatically, and the user has the option to remove the handrails and other safety features.

In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the user has the option to close the window and add the recommended parts or continue without the parts (but with the warning that they were missing). If the user wants to add the recommended parts, the user can click the “Exit to Editor” button or similar and go to the first side container window, which now displays a menu item “RailBuilder” at the top. Upon selecting “RailBuilder” in the first side container window, handrail builder features are displayed in the second side container window. For instance, to proceed with the handrail builder module, the user must select a component (such as a platform, ramp, or stairs) on which handrails or other safety features (such as treads) may be added.

As an example, and referring to the exemplary screen shotof, after selecting the ramp, a variety of different handrail position options are displayed in the second side container window. The user can click on a preferred handrail position (e.g. left, right, front, and/or rear) to add it to the ramp. Referring to the exemplary screen shotof, the user can then select another component, such as the platform, and a variety of different handrail position options are displayed in the second side container window. The user can click on a preferred handrail position to add it to the platform.shows an exemplary screen shotof a GUI display showing another stencil designhaving handrails added to the design using the handrail builder module.

The handrail builder modulemay generate feedback data (such as in the second side container window) indicating that the selected position is not compatible with the run. For instance, an error may be generated and displayed if a top handrail was chosen for platformbecause a top handrail would prevent access to the platform. The handrail builder modulemay also present an option to alter the treads of the component in the second side container window or change or add any other safety feature.